.jpeg)
For those with curly and coily hair, summer can be the optimal moment to experiment with a range of protective hairstyles. From the viral French curls to the classic knotless method, the options are endless—and cater to every style aesthetic. It seems that we’re entering a new type of natural hair era—just ask Rihanna, who unveiled a stunning short blonde afro ahead of the launch of her new line, Fenty Hair. Clearly, coils are all the rage.
The afro blowout
Instagram content
This glamorous style can be achieved without relaxers and keratin treatments. Hairstylist to the A-list Charlotte Mensah reveals that the breezy ’70s-inspired bob is highly coveted by her clients. “Clients with shoulder-length natural hair love that bounce and sleek finish,” she says. A round bristle brush along with a blowdryer is commonly used to execute the style, which is temporarily held in place with “big velcro rollers to give the hair a lift from the roots.” Vastly different from the ever-popular silk press, this isn’t a pin-straight glass hair moment, “it’s bigger and has more volume, body, and movement.”
Momo Boyd, the singer of soft rock band Infinity Song, has mastered the stretched ’fro with an ineffable attitude. A scroll through her TikTok and Instagram reveals a stream of comments from fans requesting video tutorials or dissecting how she “got her hair like that.”
Natural passion twists
.jpeg)
Low-tension protective hairstyles weaved in a “twist” formation have been admired for centuries. An evolution of Senegalese twists, searches for the passion version rose by more than 250% in the past month alone. With a springy and versatile bohemian edge, they’re perfect for anyone seeking a non-committal variant of the dreadlock style. Using two strands instead of three, the hair is sectioned into precise partings and twirled together. Rubber bands can be used to seal the twists, as well as hot water (which is only recommended for variations using synthetic hair).
After a few weeks, if you fancy a swift transformation, give the twist-out a go. Shake up the look by carefully unraveling the strands and enjoy a head full of fluffy, voluminous heatless curls. “Sometimes you just want that fresh start and twist-outs are very popular in the summer,” says Mensah. Structure and definition can be restored with a hair pomade. “Leave the product in the hair to set the style in place,” she explains. “When mixed with a couple of drops of [Mensah’s cult product] Manketti Oil, it forms a waxy consistency which can also be used to lay edges down.”
The braided baldie
Perfect for anyone who wants a low-maintenance protective style without extensions, this style is “good for when you’re on the go and short for time.” says Mensah, who adds that “clients keep coming and asking for this.” Braided in a variety of intricate cornrow patterns, from zig-zag formations to hearts and diamonds adorning the scalp “it’s like a buzz cut in braided form”.
LA hairstylist Monteria Chisholm coined the term after a client requested cornrows with a fun twist. She previously explained that it’s achieved “using a crochet-like method for a seamless finish that mimics the look of a super-short haircut”. (Chisholm’s TikTok showing a full view of the braided baldie has millions of views and likes.) According to Mensah “everyone is talking about it,” and in contrast to goddess braids, the style is more durable “with the proper care.” To ensure maximum longevity, “wrap the hair in a silk scarf at nighttime,” and when it’s time to unravel the style, “give your hair a thorough treatment.” A gentle salt scrub “helps to restore hydration as well as revitalize strands affected by any gels and edge control used to braid the hair”.
Elevate with a snap
Taking a break between styles is crucial for the strength and health of afro-textured hair. “All that pulling and tension can be detrimental if not treated with care,” Mensah cautions. “I know clients that do braids after braids or wigs after wigs, and you find that the hair doesn’t have time to rest.” Alternating your partings is also essential and can help avoid traction alopecia, which is caused by excessive tugging and pressure on the hair follicles.
For moments when you’d rather push back your curls, clip-on ponytails or mini-fro pieces can be the perfect solution. Simply snap on to the end of a low-bun when running around town or slick up into a lofty swoop for glamorous events. If a little extra hold is needed, attachments can be sewn down and easily taken out to let your hair loose again.